Indulge in the delight of freshly made donuts with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these donuts will surely satisfy your sweet cravings. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delectable treats!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll and cut the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two differently sized round cookie cutters to cut out donuts and donut holes.
- Let the donuts rise: Place the cut-out donuts and holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Fry the donuts: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off, then place them back on the wire rack to set.
- Enjoy: Serve the donuts warm and enjoy the irresistible homemade goodness!
Note: You can also customize your donuts by adding toppings like sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut before the glaze sets. Experiment with different flavors and decorations to make them uniquely yours!
